Back in 2020, during the pandemic, I realized that it was going to become a necessity to tragedy-proof my business and take the steps to implement a more sustainable business model. Post pandemic, I shelved the idea because the desire to teach in person and lay down roots in my new community was so very strong (and I thought I would have more time). Here we are today, however, and 2025 is proving to be just as challenging, if not more so, for small art-based businesses like mine.
I’m nothing, if not resilient, so I’ve spent the better part of the last couple of months getting myself set up with a Teachable account. I gave Patreon a go for a while, but it was missing a lot of the interactive, community feel I was trying to cultivate—after lots of research (and signing up as a student in numerous Teachable classrooms), I’m going all-in on Teachable. I’m pretty excited about it!
The first questions everyone asks when I tell them I am going to be teaching the bulk of classes online is, “What about in-person classes? What about the women’s retreat?” My response is: There is nothing I love more than creating with and next to people, so there will still be in-person classes. They’re simply going to look a bit different from here on out, and probably be a bit more sporadic for the time being (think one-day workshops, evening classes, and intimate art-dates in my home). I am also thinking about the 2026 women’s retreat, while keeping an eye on tariffs and shipping challenges and being mindful of national and global events. More to come on the retreat when I have all the details together.
One of two things usually happen next. I’m either met with excitement about the accessibility, flexibility, and lower price point of online classes. Or the person has convinced themselves that online classes won’t work for them for one reason or another. I’ve always believed in the mission of this business and, even when the delivery mechanism changes, the mission remains the same. As I embark on this new chapter, I have to trust that the right people will find me and be excited about not only what I’m offering, but how I’m offering it.
All that being said, my very first online program is open for registration! It’s called The Relief Map, and for four weeks (starting in mid-October), we are going to lift each other up and navigate these times together. With art. Community. Collaboration. Reflection. And joy. So much joy.
My heart hopes to see your heart in the classroom!
With tenacity and faith,
Jenn
